{"sf1_id":220310,"sf2_id":"q1xdJ8z1","title":"A Trainer's Tale - Chapter 1","author":"FoxStriker25","words":7027,"posted_at":"2011-02-07T17:50:00.000Z","tags":["Human","No-Yiff","Non-Anthro","Pokemon"],"url":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/220310-a-trainer-s-tale-chapter-1","original_url":"https://sofurry.com/s/q1xdJ8z1","image_url":"https://cdn.sofurryfiles.com/submissions/thumbnails/70/60/7060b633-b351-4476-9418-37dd56d0d83f","description":"#1 of A Trainer's Tale","content":"Author's Notes: At the bottom this time.\u0026nbsp; I hope I got the tags right.\u0026nbsp; I dont feel like it needs like twenty tags, though I will if it needs to be clear.\u0026nbsp; Or I get told that it needs to be clearer.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nAll Pokémon names, locations, prevalent world characters, gyms, etcetera, are copyright to Nintendo, Game Freak, and a lot of other people.\u0026nbsp; I do not own any of those.\u0026nbsp; Aaron, and specific characters, are my own creations in this world, so please ask for permission.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n---- Chapter One: Meetings\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nBright sunlight exploded into my room the moment I opened the blinds from my window.\u0026nbsp; A cool breeze blew by, the sound of trees and leaves muting the sound of footsteps of people walking outside.\u0026nbsp; I brushed back a lock of hair that fell within eyesight, still wet from the shower I just took.\u0026nbsp; I shook my head, grabbing my towel and making another attempt to dry my hair.\u0026nbsp; I walked towards the mirror in my room, avoiding the pile of Pokémon books on the ground, as I let the towel fall to the ground.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nShoulder length chestnut hair, disheveled by me drying it, lined my face.\u0026nbsp; I inspected my green eyes, my right eye still feeling tender after getting slapped in the face by a girl yesterday.\u0026nbsp; Never, ever, say things like that to her again, I thought vehemently.\u0026nbsp; Satisfied that no permanent damage was done, I flexed, vague muscles outlining my toned body.\u0026nbsp; I grinned, feeling proud of my figure.\u0026nbsp; Doing nothing around Solaceon leaves you all kinds of bored.\u0026nbsp; From keeping the Lost Tower cleaned, to scouting areas in the old ruins east of town, to keeping tabs in with the newspaper guys if they needed anything, I did most of the small jobs that nobody really wanted to do, but they needed to be done.\u0026nbsp; I was proud of what I did, and it let me meet a lot of cool interesting people.\u0026nbsp; It was always good to be appreciated by someone, even if they've only known you for less than a few minutes.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Aaron!\u0026nbsp; Are you up already?\u0026nbsp; The Pokémon Center isn't going to be open all day, you know?\" yelled my mom from downstairs.\u0026nbsp; I rolled my eyes, but I kept my voice from sounding sarcastic.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Yeah, mom, I'll be right down!\u0026nbsp; I just finished taking a shower!\" I yelled back, as I hurried to find a shirt and pants.\u0026nbsp; I opened my drawer next to my bed, pulling out a red short sleeved shirt and cargo pants.\u0026nbsp; If the weather keeps like this, I'll probably have to go over to the Lost Tower again and sweep every floor again.\u0026nbsp; I shrugged as I slipped on a pair of black boots and tied the laces together.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI grabbed a comb and hurried downstairs.\u0026nbsp; I entered the dining room to see both mom and dad there.\u0026nbsp; Dad was at the table, reading today's newspaper, while mom had her back to me.\u0026nbsp; Dad had his usual outfit, a white shirt and jeans, while mom had a yellow dress with heels on.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Hi mom and dad,\" I said as I sat down next to dad.\u0026nbsp; \"Sorry, was just throwing something on.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nDad put the paper down, and gave me a smile.\u0026nbsp; He hooked his arm around me and gave me quick shake around.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Happy birthday, Aaron!\" he said, laughing brightly.\u0026nbsp; I grinned, nodding.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Thanks dad,\" I said, smiling.\u0026nbsp; Jeez, eighteen years already?\u0026nbsp; Time flies, I guess.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"So, I know I promised you that you can become a trainer at eighteen.\u0026nbsp; Have you reconsidered?\" he asked.\u0026nbsp; I could swear that he looked hopeful that I would say no, and I cringed inside.\u0026nbsp; I knew that I wanted to get out of this town.\u0026nbsp; I loved it here, but I needed something else with my life.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Well, I've thought about it, and I still want to become a Pokémon Trainer, dad,\" I said, shaking my head.\u0026nbsp; \"I really want to see the world, and make my way out there.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nHe nodded, smiling.\u0026nbsp; \"Yeah, thought so.\u0026nbsp; Can't hold it against me, can ya?\" he asked, smiling.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI shook my head.\u0026nbsp; Mom and dad meant well enough, but I really wanted to do more than just live in my parent's shadow.\u0026nbsp; My parents are both archaeologists, spending a lot of time in the Sinnoh underground, finding fossils of both human and Pokémon origins.\u0026nbsp; They have been making headway into the reason why the Unown solely inhabit the Solaceon Ruins.\u0026nbsp; Of course, they've kept me in the dark about it until they have more concrete reasons, but I knew what they were doing there.\u0026nbsp; It didn't take a genius when I'm taking half the notes.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"A letter from Professor Rowan arrived for you while you were taking your shower,\" Dad said, pulling a letter from underneath a stack of letters on the table.\u0026nbsp; It was already opened, which I imagine that Dad or Mom saw it already.\u0026nbsp; I shrugged and opened the letter.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI skimmed it quickly, noticing that it said the same things that he said to me in person when I visited him a few months ago.\u0026nbsp; He wished me a happy birthday, and that in a few days, he will be sending me my requested Pokémon, a Chimchar.\u0026nbsp; I nodded, folding the letter again.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Nobody told him about the adoption we had going on today, huh?\" I asked\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Well, we sent him a letter saying that there was one, but Professor Rowan insisted that he sent the Chimchar anyway, in case you didn't adopt six Pokémon,\" Mom said, appearing with a stack of pancakes.\u0026nbsp; I noticed at the one plate, and smiled at Mom.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"So, do you plan on eating?\" I asked, grinning.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Today is your birthday!\u0026nbsp; This is a treat, as I imagine that you're going to have a big day today.\u0026nbsp; So eat up!\" she exclaimed, laughing as she pushed a fork, knife, and some syrup my way.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI grinned as I poured a healthy dollop of syrup on top of the pancakes and began to eat.\u0026nbsp; Nothing beat home-made pancakes, no matter what anyone else said.\u0026nbsp; And, if I may be so big to boast, my mom made the best.\u0026nbsp; I finished the stack in record time, standing to go put the plate and utensils in the sink.\u0026nbsp; I got a glass of water and made my way back to the table.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"So, what are your plans today, Aaron?\" mom asked me.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Well, go back to the Pokémon Center and ask if the adoption is still good to go, and seeing that I am now a registered trainer, see if any of the Pokémon are interested in coming along with me,\" I said.\u0026nbsp; \"I know of a few that are, but if I can get a full set, why not, right?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nBoth mom and dad nodded.\u0026nbsp; \"I can see where you're headed with that,\" Dad said, grinning.\u0026nbsp; \"It also puts you in the competitive edge, seeing as most trainers by now have gone through a few gyms to get here.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Exactly,\" I said, nodding.\u0026nbsp; \"And if I don't hurry, someone might beat me to the best ones!\u0026nbsp; I'll catch you all later,\" I said, giving both parents a parting hug.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Stay safe, alright?\" Mom asked, giving me a kiss.\u0026nbsp; \"Don't you go making me worry, alright?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Of course, mom,\" I said, shaking my head.\u0026nbsp; \"Aren't I always safe?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nMom ran her fingers through my hair, ruffling it before giving me a kiss on the cheek.\u0026nbsp; I sighed as I grabbed my comb from the table as she started laughing, probably from the look I had on my face.\u0026nbsp; I smiled as I waved back at them, leaving through the front door.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI turned to see my bike and helmet ready for me.\u0026nbsp; I grinned as I strapped the helmet on, and giving my bike a look over.\u0026nbsp; It looks like dad gave it a tune up or something.\u0026nbsp; Nothing looked wrong to me.\u0026nbsp; I whispered thanks to my dad as I grabbed my bike and balanced myself on top of it.\u0026nbsp; My grin widened as I looked down the 'path' that I had to go through.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe 'path', if you could call it that, ran through the woods east of Solaceon, and deposited you right into the main road that went through the town.\u0026nbsp; The problem is that not only did wild Pokémon use it, it was poorly maintained, as it was only a handful of people ever used it.\u0026nbsp; I pedaled around in a circle, getting the feel again for the bike, and it felt just like yesterday that I rode it.\u0026nbsp; I gripped the handles and peddled as hard as I could, heading head first through the brush.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nBumps shook me as I blazed through the path, my legs pumping the pedals as fast as I could move them.\u0026nbsp; The sun streaked through openings in the canopy, barely allowing anyone or anything the ability to see the path.\u0026nbsp; My eyes could never keep up with the path, as I juked past a boulder just barely.\u0026nbsp; A startled cry made me realize that it wasn't an actual boulder, but I didn't want to stop and apologize to the angry Graveler or Golem that I just woke up from its slumber.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Sorry!\" I yelled back, as I made a hard turn left, narrowly avoiding the tree line.\u0026nbsp; I continued pumping the pedals, adrenaline pumping through my body.\u0026nbsp; Bird Pokémon made their cries of indignation as I tore through the path, startled as I passed underneath their nests.\u0026nbsp; The woods slowly became alive as I slowed down near the end of the path.\u0026nbsp; I took a few deep breaths, attempting to keep myself steady, but after what I did, who was I kidding.\u0026nbsp; I enjoyed it, just like the first time I did it a few years ago.\u0026nbsp; Song is going to give me another scolding, but I grinned.\u0026nbsp; I hoped that she would!\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI pedaled my bike towards the Pokémon Center, stopping in front and getting off.\u0026nbsp; I walked inside with my bike, waving at Nurse Joy at the desk.\u0026nbsp; She, just like every single Nurse Joy, wore the usual white and pink nurse uniform.\u0026nbsp; Her pink hair was tied in a bun, her nurse hat balanced perfectly atop of her head.\u0026nbsp; She smiled as she saw me and waved back.\u0026nbsp; Nurse Joy's smile widened as I put my bike next to her desk and took off my helmet.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"You're going to clean that, right?\" she asked, pointing behind me.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI turned around to see a streak of mud and muddy footprints against the pristine tile floor.\u0026nbsp; I groaned, putting my palm against my face.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I'm sorry, Nurse Joy,\" I said, shaking my head.\u0026nbsp; \"I'll get it cleaned.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Just like every day you forget,\" she said, giggling.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nA Blissey walked up to me with a mop and bucket, chanting her name happily.\u0026nbsp; I thanked the Blissey, shaking her hand, and getting an enthusiastic hug in return.\u0026nbsp; I grinned as I began to mop up the mess I created.\u0026nbsp; It wasn't a lot, thankfully, and I was quick to finish my job.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"So, you're here for the adoption?\" Nurse Joy asked as she walked up to me.\u0026nbsp; I was outside, about to pour the dirty water on the grass outside.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Yeah,\" I said, nodding.\u0026nbsp; \"I'm officially a Pokémon trainer, and I was thinking that the adoption couldn't come at a perfect time.\u0026nbsp; I'm going to take the opportunity if any are interested in coming with me.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Letting them pick for you?\" she asked, smiling.\u0026nbsp; \"You know, if you let her, I'm sure that Song will be more than happy to give you her recommendations.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Well, I was also hoping on that, too,\" I said, laughing.\u0026nbsp; I shook off the mud off my boots as best I could.\u0026nbsp; Not to my satisfaction, I grabbed a stick from the ground and tried my best to pry any caked mud in between the grooves.\u0026nbsp; Nurse Joy giggled again, patting me on the shoulder.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Why don't we take the back entrance?\" she said, smiling at me.\u0026nbsp; \"I'm sure that it'll save you some trouble.\u0026nbsp; Blissey will take care of the wet floor.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Are you sure?\" I asked.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nNo sooner had I opened my mouth, two Blissey appeared with dry mops, fans, and a yellow sign that said \"Slippery when Wet\" on it.\u0026nbsp; I chuckled with Nurse Joy, as we went around the back of the center.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"So, you're going to let them pick you,\" Nurse Joy said, smiling.\u0026nbsp; \"That's actually really nice of you, I think.\u0026nbsp; Many trainers would demand the obedience of the Pokémon they have.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Well, these Pokémon have had rough experiences before,\" I said.\u0026nbsp; \"I don't want to make them uncomfortable by putting them in a situation that they don't want to be.\u0026nbsp; That would be horrible on my part.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I'm glad that you realize that,\" Nurse Joy said, nodding.\u0026nbsp; \"It's such a relief to hear that from a trainer.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"It also helps that I've been here a lot, and that I know what most of them have gone through,\" I pointed out\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Yes, yes it does,\" she said, patting my shoulder\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nWe reached a fenced area, and she opened it with a key she pulled from her apron.\u0026nbsp; Behind the fence was the enclosed area where Pokémon were able to be themselves, without many social constraints except their own.\u0026nbsp; Many socialized with one another, speaking in their tongue; others spent their time lounging in the huge pool.\u0026nbsp; And others liked to make their presence known as quickly as possible.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"_Aaron!_\" a voice cried in my mind, soon to be followed by the feeling of a soft body against my back.\u0026nbsp; I stumbled for a moment, but didn't fall, thankful for being used to this by now.\u0026nbsp; I turned to see the familiar face of a Gardevoir, her hands resting on top of my shoulders.\u0026nbsp; Normally a very quiet and reserved Pokémon, her smile and actions right now would make anyone not believe that concept.\u0026nbsp; Her body pressed against mine, giving me a hug, and I smiled, patting her arms.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"_I'm so glad that you're here now!\u0026nbsp; I should let everyone know!_\" she said, her voice sounding excited about something.\u0026nbsp; I shook my head.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I'm not going anywhere, Song,\" I told her.\u0026nbsp; \"You're more than welcome to show me off instead of running ahead of me.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nShe let me go, as I turned to get a good look at her.\u0026nbsp; She looked like any other Gardevoir, standing at an impressive six feet tall.\u0026nbsp; Her body was hidden underneath her white 'robe', while her green hands were crossed against her chest.\u0026nbsp; Her eyes are red, and her green 'hair' framed her face, curling back behind her head.\u0026nbsp; A smile adorned her thin lips that blended in almost too well against her pale white skin.\u0026nbsp; She usually didn't smile quite so satisfied for no reason.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"_Oh, you'll find out soon enough_,\" she said, smiling wider.\u0026nbsp; I shook my head, smiling at her.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Don't read my mind, Song,\" I said exasperatedly.\u0026nbsp; \"How many times do I have to ask?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"_Oh, I don't know.\u0026nbsp; You don't seem to mind that I speak to you telepathically_,\" she said, nodding to herself.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Well, I'll leave you two, I have to go check up on the front desk,\" Nurse Joy said all of a sudden.\u0026nbsp; I almost jumped out of my skin, which made Song laugh.\u0026nbsp; Nurse Joy gave a quick curtsey and left the way we came, locking the gate behind her.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI shrugged.\u0026nbsp; \"You know, never mind why I always argue the same point with you over and over again,\" I said.\u0026nbsp; \"I'll never figure that out.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"_What?\u0026nbsp; That the others see me very close to you?_\" she asked\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"No, that you speak to me through your powers,\" I pointed out.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"_Well, it's better for you to know what I'm saying, instead of guessing at it,_\" she said, smiling again.\u0026nbsp; \"_Besides, it's good to know that you can understand me, too._\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I'm glad it makes you feel like that, Song,\" I said, extending a hand towards her.\u0026nbsp; She nodded and took my hand, and walked towards the more inhabited areas of the enclosure.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nPokémon of all shapes and sizes greeted us, from Bidoof and Pachirisu scampering on the ground, to a Noctowl flying overhead.\u0026nbsp; I grinned as several of them made their way to greet me with enthusiastic cries.\u0026nbsp; I chuckled as I kneeled to scratch heads and ears, as Song stood next to me.\u0026nbsp; I looked at the Gardevoir, who had a satisfied smile on her face.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Song, what are you thinking?\" I asked her.\u0026nbsp; \"Ever since I got here, you haven't stopped smiling.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"_Is it a crime now to be happy?_\" she asked kindly.\u0026nbsp; Her smile didn't waver as she spoke in my mind.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI shook my head.\u0026nbsp; \"No, it's just that you aren't this perky usually,\" I pointed out.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"_I'm trying something different,_\" she said, nodding.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Right...\" I said, shaking my head.\u0026nbsp; I'll most likely never find out, and it's probably for the best.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nAs I turn my attention back scratch more ears, I come face to face with a gigantic cat Pokémon.\u0026nbsp; I jumped back, startled at the sight, falling on my ass, but I calm myself when I realize its Akalia, the Luxray.\u0026nbsp; I chuckled, if only to mask how startled I was.\u0026nbsp; I looked at the Luxray, noticing again how she looked.\u0026nbsp; Black fur covered her face, her eyes red with yellow irises.\u0026nbsp; She stood proudly in all fours, claws hidden within her regal paws.\u0026nbsp; Her tail swung back and forth lazily, as a smile slowly played out on her muzzle.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Luxray!\u0026nbsp; Lux, Luxray!\" she exclaimed, as I sat on the ground.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Hi yourself, Akalia,\" I said, rubbing her mane but bopping her on the nose gently.\u0026nbsp; At her startled cry, I rubbed her nose gently.\u0026nbsp; \"Don't startle me like that.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"_Oh, not to mention how many times have you thrown her into the lake?_\" Song asked, her voice giggling in my mind.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Hey, it's not my fault all of you get dirty while I'm here,\" I said in my defense.\u0026nbsp; \"And besides, Nurse Joy told me to give Akalia a thorough wash, and I intended to do it.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"_Maybe I should give you a thorough washing,_\" she said, lifting me up from the ground.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Song!\" I exclaimed, flailing my arms as I was lifted by her powers.\u0026nbsp; \"Don't!\u0026nbsp; I just took a shower before heading here!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"_And you took your bike here, which means you rode through that path that I never want you to go through,_\" she said, giggling.\u0026nbsp; \"_You need a shower, and I intend to see you get a thorough one!_\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI was then carried a few feet over to where the water hole was.\u0026nbsp; It was really a gigantic pool, a good twenty feet deep, and it was home to all the water Pokémon that the center took care of.\u0026nbsp; It was used as a relaxing spot for trainers, Pokémon, and for a certain Gardevoir, the center of her attention.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"_Any last words before I throw you in?_\" Song asked.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Please don't throw me in?\" I asked\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"_Too bad,_\" she said, as I felt myself hoisted up above the pool, and suddenly let go.\u0026nbsp; I didn't yell, trying to conserve as much oxygen as I could as I went under in, I imagine, a good sized splash.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe water was cold, and a few precious bubbles of oxygen escaped my mouth.\u0026nbsp; I began swimming up to the surface, but what looked like an immense snake coiled around me.\u0026nbsp; The Pokémon's face aligned with mine, and was relieved when it was the Milotic, Xola.\u0026nbsp; I grabbed hold to her body as she swiftly swam to the surface.\u0026nbsp; I gasped for air as soon as I could feel I wasn't underwater, and I was assaulted by cheers from all around me.\u0026nbsp; I wiped the water out of my eyes as best I could, to see all kinds of Pokémon cheering, their happy cries filling the air.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Hey, Xola,\" I said, patting the enormous Milotic on her neck.\u0026nbsp; \"Thanks for saving me.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nShe nodded, gently nuzzling me.\u0026nbsp; I grinned and hugged her neck, as she almost purred in happiness.\u0026nbsp; Xola was always an attention hog, but she usually earned her praise, and I was never shy to let her know how amazing she was.\u0026nbsp; She looked like every Milotic, cream colored scales covering most of her body, only to change blue near her tail.\u0026nbsp; At an impressive length of sixteen feet, that's nothing to roll your eyes at.\u0026nbsp; Pink colored scales adorned her 'eyebrows', both the thin pair that stood up, and the thick pair that hung to the sides of her body.\u0026nbsp; When Xola faced me, I got a good look at her face, and I mentally winced that she was blind on her right eye.\u0026nbsp; Two deep, horizontal scars were the only things to remind her of whatever may have caused it.\u0026nbsp; I never asked for the record how she got her injury.\u0026nbsp; It was bad enough that she was 'retired', as her record states.\u0026nbsp; I've tried to catch her by surprise, even using her blind spot to my advantage, and all I get is a big tail slap to the face.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nShe dove under the water, only to appear underneath me, as her body fit in between my legs.\u0026nbsp; I held on as best as I could, as Xola took me to the edge of the pool.\u0026nbsp; I patted Xola on the head, getting a low melodic rumble from her.\u0026nbsp; I smiled, indulging her in the attention she always likes.\u0026nbsp; Song floated by, a smile on her face.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Alright, Song,\" I said, giving her my undivided attention.\u0026nbsp; \"You have something up your sleeve.\u0026nbsp; Spill it already.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"_Alright, you spoilsport_,\" she said, giggling again.\u0026nbsp; \"_But first, tell me why you're here?\u0026nbsp; Is it really because of another job, or are you here for the adoption?_\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I'm here for the adoption,\" I said, nodding.\u0026nbsp; \"All the paperwork got authorized, and starting today, I'm officially a Pokémon Trainer.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI could hear soft whispers among the present Pokémon after I said that.\u0026nbsp; I could swear I could hear the gears turning in Song's head after I said that.\u0026nbsp; I've already told Song that I wanted to become a trainer, so I imagine this was to confirm any rumor that may have been spreading around.\u0026nbsp; You could never tell with these crafty psychic types.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"_And you're here to adopt a few of us?_\" Song asked.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Yes, I am,\" I said, nodding.\u0026nbsp; \"Well, anyone that would like to come along, at least.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nSong smiled down at me as I stood up, shaking as much water off me as possible.\u0026nbsp; I shivered as the breeze picked up again, the cold cutting right through my skin.\u0026nbsp; A low rumbling sound at my side made me look downwards, to see Akalia with a towel across her back.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Thanks, Akalia,\" I said, taking the towel.\u0026nbsp; I dried as best I could, and I took my shirt off to let it dry.\u0026nbsp; A conveniently placed table was nearby, so I put my shirt on top of it, to hopefully be dry in a few hours.\u0026nbsp; I wasn't going anywhere anytime soon, so I wasn't too worried.\u0026nbsp; Worse things have happened while I've been here.\u0026nbsp; Losing a shirt would be the least of my worries.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Luxray?\" Akalia asked in a curious tone.\u0026nbsp; Her head tilted to the side, eyes glowing gently.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI understood her tone as being concerned, or sad.\u0026nbsp; I kneeled in front of her, patting her head.\u0026nbsp; \"Well, the adoption is going on right now,\" I pointed out.\u0026nbsp; \"You're more than welcome to come along with me.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nAkalia proceeded to then tackle me to the ground, her entire body rumbling with her purring.\u0026nbsp; Though startled by her actions, I was relieved that she accepted.\u0026nbsp; As her head snuggled against my still drying chest, her rumbles increased.\u0026nbsp; I grinned, wrapping my arms around the gigantic cat, and ruffling her fur.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Just don't fall asleep on top of me right now,\" I joked, rubbing her ears gently.\u0026nbsp; \"I'm quite sure that someone would be jealous if you monopolized me.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"_I do not monopolize you, my good sir!_\" Song's voice rang in my head.\u0026nbsp; I looked around to see her with her hands on her hips, eyes narrowed.\u0026nbsp; I grinned at her, but she shook her head, and looked as if she sighed.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"_Before you ask, yes, I want to go with you, Aaron,_\" she said, her tone of voice in my mind serious.\u0026nbsp; \"_I've been thinking about it ever since you told me you wanted to become a trainer two years ago, and as you can see, Akalia wanted to come along._\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI smiled, stroking the purring Luxray's head.\u0026nbsp; \"You're both serious about coming with me?\" I asked\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nAkalia looked up to me, leveling her face with my own and giving me a huge wet lick across my cheek.\u0026nbsp; I laughed, trying to get her to stop before she decides to keep at it.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"_Yes, I'm serious,_\" Song answered, giggling again.\u0026nbsp; \"_I wouldn't have brought it up if I wasn't._\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I'll have to trust you on that one,\" I said, smiling at both of them.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Luxray!\u0026nbsp; Lux, Lu Lux!\" Akalia exclaimed, with a tone of finality.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"_I agree with Akalia_,\" Song said, nodding.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"What did she say?\" I asked, perplexed at the exchange.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"_She says that we should get the others_,\" Song translated.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"What do you mean by others?\" I asked.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"_Well, first you should turn around and address Xola properly, as she's one of the other candidates_,\" Song said, pointing behind me.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI turned around to see the Milotic uncurl her massive body like a rope uncoiling, and slide her way towards us with powerful motions.\u0026nbsp; Xola's face was within arm's reach within moments, her warm breath washing over my face.\u0026nbsp; It didn't take long for me to realize that I didn't have much of a say in this argument, and it's not like I would say no to have an experienced battler on the team.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Xola, would you like to come with me on my journey?\" I asked the Milotic.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nShe nodded, as she smiled with her eyes, her face gently rubbing against my cheek.\u0026nbsp; I smiled as I scratched her head, her scales smooth to the touch.\u0026nbsp; Already three have volunteered to come along.\u0026nbsp; This is going better than I could have hoped for.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI realized that most of the commotion has died down by now, and all the other Pokemon were going about their regular activities.\u0026nbsp; It was still early morning, and the entire day was still ahead of me.\u0026nbsp; Who knows who else would join?\n\n================\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; =======================\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; ===============\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"_Aaron, would you like to meet Spirit?_\" Song asked.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nIt was now midday, the sun hanging pregnant in the sky, warming up the day a bit on the hotter side of mild.\u0026nbsp; I had my shirt on by now, though no thanks to Xola's teasing and demanding hugs right after she comes out of the pool.\u0026nbsp; My shirt was wet, again, but I didn't bother taking it off.\u0026nbsp; It was going to get wet again anyway.\u0026nbsp; We sat around one of the tables, eating lunch.\u0026nbsp; I was eating a cheese sandwich, while Akalia, Xola, and Song had a wide assortment of Pokémon food to pick from.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Who's Spirit?\" I asked, closing my eyes in thought.\u0026nbsp; \"I don't remember a Pokémon by that name from the top of my head.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"_I'm not surprised,_\" she said.\u0026nbsp; \"_She tends to be a bit private, but when I talk to her about you, she has said that she wants to meet you._\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I wonder what kind of things you talk about behind my back,\" I said, grinning.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"_Oh, it wasn't anything bad,_\" the Gardevoir said, her mouth curling into a smile.\u0026nbsp; \"_She's had a few bad experiences with humans before, and she's having trouble believing me_.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I really don't see how others don't trust you,\" I said, chuckling.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nAkalia and Xola both chuckled with me, while Song looked positively livid for a moment.\u0026nbsp; Her eyes glowed, and I could feel her presence in my mind.\u0026nbsp; Song's eyes glowed brightly for an instant, and at the same moment, my thoughts were not my own anymore.\u0026nbsp; I could feel her digging through my memories, though try as I might, I could not stop her from whatever she was looking for.\u0026nbsp; Even though I trusted her, it always felt odd having your entire mind open to someone so powerful.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nHer furious look was replaced with a smile, as her voice giggled in my mind.\u0026nbsp; \"_Sorry,_\" she said, coming around to pat me on the head.\u0026nbsp; \"_I didn't mean to startle you._\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"You never do, Song.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"_Either way, she's here now, if you'd like to meet her._\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI smiled.\u0026nbsp; \"Of course I'd like to meet her,\" I said, nodding.\u0026nbsp; \"I'd like to meet whomever it is that you're speaking so highly of me.\u0026nbsp; I can only hope I don't disappoint.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"_I'll let her know right now,_\" Song said.\u0026nbsp; \"_I'll also let the other two know, as well._\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Wait, what other two?\" I asked, confused at the statement.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"_There are more that listen to me ramble on about you, and they have expressed an interest_,\" Song said, smiling mischievously.\u0026nbsp; \"_Spirit will be back in a moment, as I seemed to have caught her napping, Zin is a bit far away and is making her way over here, but Mist is more than happy to meet you now._\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI rolled my eyes and sighed, not bothering to hide my actions.\u0026nbsp; \"Alright, then let's meet Mist then.\u0026nbsp; Is he or she here?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Right behind you,\" an unknown voice said.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI jumped out of my skin, knocking over my chair, spinning around to see who just spoke.\u0026nbsp; A shimmer in the air was the only thing I could see out of place.\u0026nbsp; As I looked closer at it, it seemed to be the outline of something floating in front of me.\u0026nbsp; I kept my distance, though.\u0026nbsp; I've had many experiences where poking your nose is a very bad idea.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"A wise choice, considering a human's natural curiosity to the unknown,\" the voice said.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe air shimmered, like the distortion of heat in the distance.\u0026nbsp; The outline I saw became more defined, revealing a Mismagius floating in front of me.\u0026nbsp; Though obviously part of the Pokémon's body, he or she looked like it was wearing a purple wizard hat and robes that covered the entire body.\u0026nbsp; Three red gems appeared attached to the body, about where the waist would be.\u0026nbsp; Yellow eyes stared right at mine, as if peering straight into my soul.\u0026nbsp; I shivered involuntarily, as the Pokémon nodded to itself.\u0026nbsp; The Pokémon's eyes widened, its mouth shaping from its original squiggly line, into a surprised gasp, but it was quickly suppressed.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"So, you're Aaron,\" the Mismagius said, nodding.\u0026nbsp; \"I can see why Song likes you so much.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Excuse me?\" I asked\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Yes, I am female,\" she said, ignoring my question.\u0026nbsp; \"So you can stop referring me as \"Pokémon\" or \"it\", though I appreciate you trying not to.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"May I ask what your name is?\" I asked, grasping what felt like straws\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"My name is Mist,\" she said, her mouth spreading into a grin.\u0026nbsp; \"And before you ask, yes, I can read your mind, and no, I cannot speak human.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI didn't ask how it looked like she could.\u0026nbsp; Just thinking about it hurt, so I just accepted it as is.\u0026nbsp; I thought for a moment, as I attempted to come up with a different approach.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Song told you about me,\" I said, winging the question as best I could.\u0026nbsp; \"Are there any questions I can answer?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Why do you want to go on your Pokémon journey?\" she asked\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Well, I want to explore the world, for one,\" I said, picking up the chair I knocked over.\u0026nbsp; Sitting down, I continued.\u0026nbsp; \"I also want to make a living for myself doing something different than digging old fossils.\u0026nbsp; It's fun and all, but I want to carve a place for myself in the world instead of living in my parent's shadow.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Do you see yourself being successful?\" she asked, her eyes narrowing\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Your definition of successful might be different than mine, Mist,\" I said, shrugging.\u0026nbsp; \"But, if I can manage my way across the entire world without getting myself killed and meeting all kinds of people, I'd call that successful.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"So, you're not looking to become one of those trainers that flaunts their skill in front of the camera, just to get publicity,\" Mist said, nodding again.\u0026nbsp; \"It seems that Song is right about you.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI smiled, not knowing what to say.\u0026nbsp; She can read my mind easily enough if she really wanted an answer.\u0026nbsp; I imagine that she wanted me to say my answers instead of thinking; because it proves me that I'm right or wrong.\u0026nbsp; Also, it's harder to deny you said something when there are witnesses.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe Mismagius smiled at me, the grin widening.\u0026nbsp; \"You catch on quick,\" she said, nodding.\u0026nbsp; Turning away from me, she looked towards Song, addressing her.\u0026nbsp; \"And Song, before you ask, yes, I accept your proposition.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI looked at Song, who was smiling almost ear to ear.\u0026nbsp; I didn't hear any mental speech, but I imagine that she thanked Mist.\u0026nbsp; Of what proposition, I have no idea.\u0026nbsp; I don't think I want to guess, either.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nMist turned to me, and grinned at me again, before addressing me.\u0026nbsp; \"If it would please you, I'd like to go with you when you leave for your journey,\" she said.\u0026nbsp; \"I am quite experienced in battles and-.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Mist, I could care less if your experienced or not in battles or whatnot,\" I said, cutting her off.\u0026nbsp; \"All I care about is that you're prepared and willing to come with me.\u0026nbsp; Just for the record, you four will be my starting Pokémon, as I just started my journey technically today.\u0026nbsp; If you're willing to work with my inexperience, I'd be more than happy to have you along.\u0026nbsp; I apologize for cutting you off, but please don't do this just to 'please me'.\u0026nbsp; You come if it is what you want to do, not because someone else tells you to.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nMist floated there, her mouth closed and eyes studying me again.\u0026nbsp; I could only imagine what she was thinking, but I kept looking straight at her gaze.\u0026nbsp; It took several moments for her to nod, breaking our eye contact.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"You are really what you say,\" she said without preamble.\u0026nbsp; \"I will join you, if only to see that you keep to your word.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"What do you mean by that?\" I asked, perplexed by the statement.\u0026nbsp; She didn't answer, floating past me without a look, to hover by Song.\u0026nbsp; They both looked at each other, and giggled, both their bodies visibly shaking with laughter.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Great, another one to the crazy list,\" I said to no one in particular.\u0026nbsp; I stood up, stretching for a moment.\u0026nbsp; \"I'm going to get a cup of water.\u0026nbsp; Do any of you want some more food?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nWith various nods, I stood up to go back inside the Pokémon Center.\u0026nbsp; I made my way through the front gate this time, as I saw it was unlocked now.\u0026nbsp; As I entered through the main entrance, Nurse Joy was walking in with a stack of papers.\u0026nbsp; I hurried over to help her, and she let me, thanking me with words and a smile.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Thank you,\" she said again, as we reached the desk.\u0026nbsp; \"It started to get heavy there at the end.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI smiled back.\u0026nbsp; \"No problems,\" I said.\u0026nbsp; \"Could I get four more plates of Pokémon food?\u0026nbsp; The girls seem to be hungry still.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"The girls?\" she asked, smiling.\u0026nbsp; \"Song has her idea in full swing then, I take it?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"You knew?\" I asked, baffled at her statement\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Oh, she let it slip here and there,\" Nurse Joy said dismissively.\u0026nbsp; She turned to hand me a large round tray with six plates.\u0026nbsp; \"Can you handle that?\" she asked, sliding it my way.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I'm pretty sure, doesn't seem too heavy,\" I said, shrugging.\u0026nbsp; \"But why six plates, though?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"You'll see,\" she replied enigmatically.\u0026nbsp; I shrugged again.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Could I get a cup of water?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I'll hand you a pitcher,\" she said, nodding.\u0026nbsp; \"You'll need it.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nShe grabbed a full pitcher of ice water and placed it in the middle of the tray.\u0026nbsp; I lifted it with both hands, thankful that it wasn't too large, and made my way towards the Pokémon area.\u0026nbsp; Though the main double doors are thankfully automatic, I didn't have such luck with the wooden door that led to the fenced in area.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Could someone open the door, please?\" I called, mentally kicking myself.\u0026nbsp; \"I bring food!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe door opened slowly, revealing a Pokémon I definitely was not expecting.\u0026nbsp; A slender face peered at me at eye level, matching my almost six foot height.\u0026nbsp; Eyes hidden behind what looked like large red lenses could be seen, looking straight into mine.\u0026nbsp; The body covered in green scales, the Flygon's legs a deeper shade of green.\u0026nbsp; White claws adorned the ends of its arms, while the wings on the Pokémon's back almost buzzed without provocation.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nIt was the first time I've ever seen this Pokémon at the center, though I'm sure that he or she has seen me before.\u0026nbsp; It surprised me that I haven't even seen the record.\u0026nbsp; I tried not to let it bother me, though, seeing as it was a bit late for that now.\u0026nbsp; I smiled at the Flygon, nodding.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Thank you for opening the door,\" I said.\u0026nbsp; \"You wouldn't be the Flygon that Song was speaking of?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe Flygon nodded, noticing the soft red blush under her eyes.\u0026nbsp; I wondered why she would be shy or embarrassed, but I didn't ask.\u0026nbsp; As I walked inside, she closed the gate behind me and walked beside me back to where the others were.\u0026nbsp; I took fleeting looks at the Flygon as we walked together, noticing some clues that suggested that she was nervous around my presence.\u0026nbsp; She would click her claws together, her wings would flap on occasion, and even though the red 'goggles' hid it very well, her eyes were wide.\u0026nbsp; I guess she was nervous, so I stopped to address her before we reached the others at the table.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Spirit,\" I said, turning to face her.\u0026nbsp; She jumped, flinching back from me, her entire body and posture in a defensive position.\u0026nbsp; I shook my head, frowning.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I don't know if Song is forcing you to do something you don't want to do,\" I said, trying to pick my words carefully, \"but please don't do something you don't want to do.\u0026nbsp; I know that you just met me, and it's hard to trust me, but please think about it.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI nodded, feeling slightly satisfied with myself, leaving the Flygon to her thoughts.\u0026nbsp; It felt like I just reworded the same things I told Mist, though the Mismagius was more comfortable with herself, though I got the feeling that she was a very private individual.\u0026nbsp; I didn't mind, but I would need to find a way to approach her in a more casual level when we're outside of battles.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI reached the table, all present speaking avidly with each other.\u0026nbsp; I placed the tray down, sitting down and grabbing the pitcher.\u0026nbsp; \"Well, here's seconds, so enjoy,\" I said, drinking from my newly refilled cup.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nAs I sat there, watching these four interact with each other, I'm pretty sure that, somehow, Song had this all thought out.\u0026nbsp; Don't get me wrong, I wasn't complaining of the situation.\u0026nbsp; It just felt strange that either Song, or all of them, would think this through.\u0026nbsp; I shrugged, as I decided not to worry about this.\u0026nbsp; I imagine that Song would want me to talk to Spirit, as well as this unknown Pokémon that has yet to show up.\u0026nbsp; Either case, it seems to me that things look promising.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nAuthor's Notes (2): OK, so this is one of the things that I've had in the backburner for a while now.\u0026nbsp; Like, a year now, actually.\u0026nbsp; There's a lot of inspiration for this story here on SoFurry, and I think it shows.\u0026nbsp; Yes, I am throwing my hat into the Pokemon story arcs, and yes, this is going to be a long one.\u0026nbsp; My hopes that you enjoy this, as more will come.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nFun Fact: The original script for this story had a completely different roster of Pokémon.\u0026nbsp; In all honesty, I dont know why I changed it, but it didnt feel right when I re-read the first run, so I scrapped most of it and worked from the bottom up.\u0026nbsp; I think it's way better like this.\u0026nbsp; Also, significantly longer.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nPages - 27.\u0026nbsp; Words (with spaces) - 35,107.\u0026nbsp; Music that inspired: Two Steps From Hell.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nEdit 1: Can't believe I messed that up.\u0026nbsp; Torchic isn't a starter in the Sinnoh Region.\u0026nbsp; Bah!\u0026nbsp; I apologize for blatant ignorance.\n\n  \n  \n\n","series":{"name":"A Trainer\\'s Tale","next":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/222398-a-trainer-s-tale-chapter-2.json"}}